Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says the Reds' late winner was the 'perfect' way to win after Newcastle United's apparent time-wasting at Anfield. The home side stole all three points in the 98th minute on Wednesday evening, despite referee Andre Marriner only adding on five minutes of additional time.
Alexander Isak opened the scoring on his Newcastle debut in the first-half. However, Roberto Firmino equalised after the interval, before Fabio Carvalho bundled the ball home at the death for Liverpool.
Klopp and Liverpool fans were aggrieved during the game at what they perceived as Newcastle wasting time, with Eddie Howe's players dropping the floor with cramp and other issues.
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Asked about the time-wasting, Klopp admitted he was delighted with the way his side won: "You said it. We scored tonight in 90+8," he told BT Sport. "It's the perfect response to that [Newcastle time-wasting] to be honest. I am really happy about that."
Howe was gracious in defeat after watching his side concede so late on after a spirited performance. The Magpies boss admitted it was a 'sickener' to lose the tie at the death.
"That's the pain of football," he told BT Sport. "That's the horrible side of it when your team has given everything. It is a sickener for us but it is part of the game. We just didn't deal with the corner.
"I thought we played well in the first half. Naturally when you are 1-0 up here you are not going to be the dominant team and you are going to have to withstand pressure. It is difficult to defend against this team."
Newcastle were without six key players tonight and will be hoping to have more available when they take on Crystal Palace at St. James' Park this weekend.
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